“I’ll also have room for small businesses to be able to set up (their products) on the shelves,” she said. “I want to have a section for the students in the class to have a spot where they can set up and learn how a pop-up shop works. I also want to offer more retail for small businesses that don’t have a storefront.”
Located at a 1,600-square-foot storefront at 200 Wayne Ave. in Dayton’s Historic Oregon District, The Entrepreneur Connection is poised to be a “game changer” for the Dayton community and, more specifically, entrepreneurs, Winston said.
“I’m excited because I will be able to help even more people,” she said. “The city needs a place to educate small businesses and also provide a space for more retail. I’m all about helping others get their name out.”
The resources within the shop will be provided by Entrepreneur Marketplace and Entrepreneur Shoppe, two other businesses Winston said she created when she saw there was a need within the community for local entrepreneurs to have a safe space to connect, shop and sell their products and services.
Launched in December 2019, Entrepreneur Marketplace is a standard pop-up shop that brings small businesses to the community through partnerships. Launched last May, Entrepreneur Shoppe, is a brick-and-mortar retail store that houses more than 30 small businesses.
All three endeavors will be housed on one branded website, www.daytonpowerhouse.com, which will serve as “the ultimate entrepreneur hub of resources” for people to grow a business while simultaneously supporting the businesses of others, Winston said.
“You’ll be able to learn who the vendors are at each store, what type of items they will carry and what events may be coming up,” she said.
Recognized by Dayton Young Black Professionals as Entrepreneur of the Year for 2019, Winston has provided pop-up shopping experiences and other services at various events supporting the Dayton community since 2016. She is also the owner and operator of fashion truck Fashion Remedy.
The Entrepreneur Connection has been an idea since March 2019, Winston said.
“It was important because I wanted to educate my small businesses,” she said. “I want people to open successful businesses and be able to have the right information to do so.”
About the Author
